Wednesday, July 9, 2008

i went to the memorial this evening for alice swanson, the 22-year old who was hit and killed while biking near r and connecticut yesterday.

it was a subdued affair. a lot of people were hugging and saying their quiet hellos. you got the feeling that, even if you didn't know people, just being someone who bikes around the city makes you part of a fraternity. i made sure to pick up a copy of waba's pocket guide to dc bike laws, as well as their safe bicycling in the washington area handouts.

in addition, white ribbons were handed out for people to wear in remembrance of alice. mine is now on my backpack that i wear every day when biking to work.

waba executive director eric gilliland greets councilmember tommy wells, who biked to the memorial and said a few words

eric gilliland says some words about alice, and about the need for everyone (bikers and drivers) to know and respect the rules of the road

many people were there, some with their children. i would estimate 175-200 total.

all of the local television stations were there to cover the memorial and to interview bikers

I know that corner well-I live at 17th and Riggs NW. I have a suggestion about how to encourage taxis to slow down and obey traffic laws. When I'm in a taxi and the driver runs red lights, talks on the cell phone, makes illegal u-turns, etc I speak up immediately and say "Driver! Please get off the phone! (or don't speed, or try to bluff pedestrians, or whatever) I won't tip you if you do that!" Alternately, you could say "Driver-please, you're scaring me! I'll tip you better if you don't do that." Tell them it's in their interest to slow down and be careful.

I taught Alice in high school. She was one of the most intelligent, peaceful, and nicest people I have ever met. It's so painful when someone of such promise and good character passes away so young. It doesn't seem fair, and it makes young people feel so vulnerable. The pain we feel arises from the beauty of her life. Today, too few people leave the world a better place than they found it. Our lives are better for knowing Alice, and time will make the hurt grow weaker. Goodbye Alice. I wish more people were like you.